Learning on the Journey

Mama Self-Care: Our Bodies

All the information out there about how to be healthy and attractive is just overwhelming. Sometimes so overwhelming that we just don’t do anything because it’s all too much and we end up unshowered in holey lounge pants and a greasy ponytail. We CAN take care of ourselves WITHOUT too much time or effort!

I want to divide this little post into a couple different sections.

First, the outside. In my opinion, it gives moms a big lift to feel pretty. It’s good for our kids to see us taking care of ourselves and our husbands appreciate it too! This doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming.

Hygeine. Shower daily, even if it’s a 2-minute shower. It is OK if baby cries for just a few little minutes while you clean up, and this is coming from a mama who doesn’t let babies cry! Since you are taking that 2 minute shower, keep a razor in there to give your legs a super-fast shave while you are at it! Seriously, it takes seconds and if you do it every day you can get any spots you missed the next time around!

Clothes.Jeans and a cute t-shirt are just as easy to put on as sweats. It is so hot here, and I am not a shorts kind of girl, so I’ve been collecting some little skirts and dresses that are easy to throw on with ballet flats or sandals. {Side note: Flats are especially nice when you don’t have time to keep your nails done!} Target usually has inexpensive jersey a-line skirts that flatter just about everyone. Cute and easy. Some of us (coughmecough) have a few pounds of baby weight hanging around. Don’t let this stop you from buying some cothes that FIT (I got most of my stuff from between 50 cents and $5 at the thrift store) and wearing cute stuff!

Makeup. You don’t have to choose between a full face OR no makeup. Why not just a bit of concealer, a touch of eye makeup and some gloss? It only takes a couple minutes to really brighten up your face!

Accessories. I am a huge believer in cute dangly earrings! Even on the busiest day, it only takes 2 seconds to add earrings. There is something about earrings or other simple accessories that give off an “I care” vibe. I’m no expert on accessorizing, but I have noticed that statement accessories, like big earrings or chunky bracelets pack a big punch without being fussy.

Hair. Can we get out of the pony tail rut (I suggest as I sit here in a pony tail)? Jen has been doing a series on simple hair styles that go beyond the pony. Some of them take hardly any time at all. It’s nice to take time to do your hair all the way sometimes, and I try to do this a few times a week in the winter, but in the summer it’s just too hot. I have enjoyed learning creative ways to branch out!

So in 10 minutes or less, we can get out of that frumpy rut that moms so easily fall into, and look cute for the whole day! Trust me, I am a novice in the looking-nice department compared to most girls, so if I can make some effort, anyone can!

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Now let’s talk about health. There is so much conflicting health advice out there, and it can all seem overwhelming! We all know we should eat more whole foods, exercise, and drink water. But this does not have to mean going to the gym and paying a gazillion bucks for perfect food (although that is good if you can do it). Start with baby steps and you will be amazed at how quickly the small changes add up. Play outside with your kids. Put baby in the stroller and walk around the block. Eat fruit, a hard boiled egg, or a handful of nuts for a snack instead of chips or cookies. Measure out your water first thing in the morning and keep it in a pitcher on the counter or the fridge. Go to bed a few minutes earlier. Once those things come naturally, let yourself think about another small change to implement. And that’s all I will say about that. When we are just barely able to fall out of bed in the morning, there is no point in piling on the guilt if we can’t make the BEST choices today for our health. Let’s focus on just making BETTER choices and one day we will probably find that we have worked up to the BEST!

So go for it, mama! Pull out that cute, comfy skirt that you only wear on Sunday, throw on 5-minute makeup and some earrings, pour a tall glass of water, and have a great day!